Restoration of the Archaeological Museum of Durrës in Albania nearing completion, thanks to the EU4Culture programme
The National Archaeological Museum in Durrës, a coastal city in Albania, is on the verge of completing restoration works thanks to the EU4Culture program funded by the European Union.
Soon, over 2,400 objects will be exhibited in completely new pavilions, with contemporary lighting and conditions.
As part of this investment, the museum courtyard has also been reconceived to be transformed into an attractive space for visitors, cultural activities, and education.
Likewise, thanks to the works and reconceptualization, the museum will become a point of reference for researchers and history enthusiasts, as well as one of the main cultural attractions of Durrës.
The Archaeological Museum of Durrës is one of the buildings damaged by the 2019 earthquake, which has been under restoration since 2022 within the framework of the EU4Culture project funded by the EU.
It is the largest archaeological museum in Albania with a wide collection consisting of more than 3000 artifacts discovered in the ancient area of Dyrrah, which shows the development of the city of Durrës during late antiquity and the medieval period.
After the renovation, the museum will have a modern appearance and will be transformed into a modern educational center that will allow visitors to immerse themselves in and experience ancient history through classical storytelling and high technology, as well as virtual reality and multimedia tools.
Visitors will be able to navigate the ancient history of Durrës by exploring redrawn streets, marvel at the new treasures discovered during recent underwater archaeological missions, and gather together for cultural events and performances.
The EU4Culture project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in close partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Albania.
It focuses on the renovation and revitalization of key cultural heritage sites damaged by the earthquake and represents one of the largest cultural heritage programs funded by the European Union with a total budget of 40 million euros.
In parallel, the project aims to increase Albania’s tourism potential, thus contributing directly to local and regional socio-economic recovery. For this purpose, special focus is dedicated to innovative technologies, including digital storytelling and the creation of multimedia products designed to be accessible to everyone. At the same time, the project is supporting local entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and cultural initiatives that develop around the selected areas through the distribution of grants, providing a direct boost to the local economy. (30 December)
